Slack launches group chats, turns private groups into private channels

Team messaging app Slack now lets users talk with as many as eight other colleagues in private direct messages.

Until now, users could use private groups to talk with one another. Now, in light of the launch of group DMs, Slack has made private groups into private channels.

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“Private channels will be shown mixed in with your existing open channels alphabetically, with small lock icons next to the private ones,” Slack explained in a blog post on the update. “When the time comes to create a new channel, you’ll find a new public/private toggle on the configuration screen.”

Now, if you’re trying to loop in more than eight other users in a new group DM, you’ll be prompted to “create a private channel instead.”

Well-funded Slack, now with more than 1.25 million daily active users, is pushing out updates on a regular basis. In August, Slack made it easier for other applications to build integrations by coming out with the Add to Slack button.

Today’s update isn’t enormous, given that private groups offered pretty much the same experience. But group DMs offer a more ephemeral, temporary experience, while the new dedicated private channels for lots of people feel more permanent.